Angels’ Pujols to shut it down for rest of season

The Angels announced Monday afternoon before its game against the Cleveland Indians that star Albert Pujols will not play the rest of the season because of the partial tear of his plantar fascia in his left heel suffered in late July.

Pujols has been excited about the prospect of returning this season, but he’s putting those thoughts to rest.

“We looked to see if it would be worth it to try to come back with two weeks left in the season or shut it down the rest of the year,” Pujols said. “I feel pretty good, I’m still going to do my activity and get myself ready, obviously early for next year. Now I have in my mind that I’m definitely not going to come back this year, so I can pace myself and don’t have to push it.”

Pujols, 33, is in the second season of a 10-year, $240 million contract. He batted .258 with 17 home runs and 64 RBI this season.

“I think for Albert everything would have to be perfectly aligned for him to come back and play,” Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. “I think by trying to get to that level there are some things that risk setting the healing process back. I think it’s a decision we can all be at peace with and get Albert ready for next year.”

Pujols said it was an organizational decision that he agrees with.

“As disappointed as I feel, at the same time, talking to (GM) Jerry (Dipoto) and Scioscia and the trainer and the doctor, it was just time to shut it down,” Pujols said.

The Angels went into Monday 15 1/2 games out of first place in the American League West and playoff hopes are slim. So the team does not want to rush Pujols along if there is risk in doing so.

“The risk and reward thing has to be evaluated, and I think there’s more risk than reward for him to try to do the things he needs to do to get ready to play this year,” Scioscia said.

Pujols said it’s a smart move, but he is disappointed.

“I’m kind of bummed out. I want to be out there with the guys playing,” Pujols said. “It’s no fun being on the bench for four hours, you know? But (next year) I’ll try to have a normal, healthy season, that’s the main thing.”

Can the Angels expect Pujols to be 100 percent when he returns next season?

“I’m pretty sure, I hope that’s how it goes,” Pujols said. “If that’s not how it goes why are we shutting it down right now? Hopefully, I’ll be 100 percent. Obviously, in the offseason, something could happen, whether it’s a new injury or whatever. I don’t think I’ll have to deal with anything with my foot for sure.”